Asynchronous read circuit using delay sensing in magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM)

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a memory device. The memory device includes an active current path including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ); and a reference current path including a reference resistance element. The reference resistance element has a resistance that differs from a resistance of the MTJ. An asynchronous, delay-sensing element has a first input coupled to the active current path and a second input coupled to the reference current path. The asynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured to sense a timing delay between a first rising or falling edge voltage on the active current path and a second rising or falling edge voltage on the reference current path. The asynchronous, delay-sensing element is further configured to determine a data state stored in the MTJ based on the timing delay.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/692,213, filed on Jun. 29, 2018, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many modern day electronic devices contain electronic memory, such ashard disk drives or random access memory (RAM). Electronic memory may bevolatile memory or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is able toretain its stored data in the absence of power, whereas volatile memoryloses its data memory contents when power is lost. Magnetic tunneljunctions (MTJs) can be used in hard disk drives and/or RAM, and thusare promising candidates for next generation memory solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram depicting some embodiments of a memorydevice including an array of MTJ memory cells and associated readcircuitry.

FIG. 2A illustrates a circuit schematic for some embodiments of a datapath that can be used in the memory device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates a circuit schematic for some alternative embodimentsof a data path that can be used in the memory device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a series of timing diagrams for a data path, such asillustrated in FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit schematic for some embodiments of adelay-sensing circuit in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a series of timing diagrams for a delay sensingcircuit, such as illustrated in FIG. 4, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit schematic for still other embodiments of adelay-sensing circuit in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a three dimensional view of some embodiments of anMTJ memory cell.

FIGS. 7B-7G illustrate some alternative embodiments for an MTJ memorycell.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional diagram illustrating someembodiments of a memory device that includes an MTJ memory element.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the memory device of FIG. 8, asindicated by the cut-lines in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples,for implementing different features of this disclosure. Specificexamples of components and arrangements are described below to simplifythe present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and arenot intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a firstfeature over or on a second feature in the description that follows mayinclude embodiments in which the first and second features are formed indirect contact, and may also include embodiments in which additionalfeatures may be formed between the first and second features, such thatthe first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition,the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters inthe various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicityand clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between thevarious embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) includes first and second ferromagneticfilms separated by a tunnel barrier layer. One of the ferromagneticfilms (often referred to as a “reference layer”) has a fixedmagnetization direction, while the other ferromagnetic film (oftenreferred to as a “free layer”) has a variable magnetization direction.If the magnetization directions of the reference layer and free layerare in a parallel orientation, it is more likely that electrons willtunnel through the tunnel barrier layer, such that the MTJ is in alow-resistance state. Conversely, if the magnetization directions of thereference layer and free layer are in an anti-parallel orientation, itis less likely that electrons will tunnel through the tunnel barrierlayer, such that the MTJ is in a high-resistance state. Consequently,the MTJ can be switched between two states of electrical resistance, afirst state with a low resistance (R_(P): magnetization directions ofreference layer and free layer are parallel) and a second state with ahigh resistance (R_(AP): magnetization directions of reference layer andfree layer are anti-parallel).

Because of their binary nature, MTJs are used in memory cells to storedigital data, with the low resistance state R_(P) corresponding to afirst data state (e.g., logical “0”), and the high-resistance stateR_(AP) corresponding to a second data state (e.g., logical “1”). To readdata from such an MTJ memory cell, the MTJ's resistance R_(MTJ) (whichcan vary between R_(P) and R_(AP), depending on the data state that isstored) can be compared to a reference MTJ's resistance, R_(Ref) (whereR_(Ref), for example, is between R_(P) and R_(AP)). In some approaches,this difference in resistance can be measured by using voltage sensingin which equal currents are applied to the MTJ and the referenceresistance to develop a voltage difference ΔV there between. A senseamplifier can then amplify the voltage difference ΔV to full railvoltage to determine whether a data state read from the MTJ is a “0” or“1”. However, when the read current is small, it is difficult togenerate a large enough voltage difference ΔV for the sense amplifier toquickly and accurately determine whether a “0” or “1” state is stored.Although read current levels could be increased, a larger read currentcan cause the data state stored in the MTJ memory cell to inadvertently“flip” before or during the read operation—an undesirable conditionknown as “read disturb”.

Accordingly, rather than using voltage sensing, the present disclosureprovides techniques for reading MTJ memory cells which make use of atiming delay difference between a first rising or falling edge of avoltage signal from the MTJ and a second rising or falling edge of avoltage signal from the reference resistance. In this approach, the readcurrent is dynamic in that it peaks and tapers off during the readcycle. The maximum or peak read current can be larger than previousapproaches (better ΔV & ΔI), but the average read current is smallenough to not cause read disturb. Thus, by sensing the delay differencebetween signals from the MTJ and reference resistance, this approachenables more robust sensing.

FIG. 1 illustrates a memory device 50 that includes a number of memorycells 100 arranged in a memory array 52. Each memory cell 100 includesan MTJ memory element 102 and an access transistor 104. Within thememory array 52, the memory cells 100 are arranged in M columns (bits)and N rows (words), and are labeled C_(ROW-COLUMN) in FIG. 1. Word-lines(WL) extend along respective rows, and are coupled to gate electrodes ofthe access transistors 104 along the respective rows. Active bit-lines(BL) and active source-lines (SL) extend along respective columns. Foreach column, the BL is coupled to one side of the MTJ memory elements102 along that column, and the SL is coupled to the opposite side of theMTJ memory elements 102 along that column through the access transistors104.

For example, in Row 1 of the memory device 50, the cells C₁₋₁ throughC_(M-1) form an M-bit data word accessible by activation of word-lineWL1. Thus, when WL1 is activated, data states can be written to or readfrom the respective cells C₁₋₁ through C_(M-1) through active bit-linesBL₁ through BL_(M) and/or by active source-lines SL₁ through SL_(M),respectively.

During a typical write operation to Row 1, a voltage V_(WL) is appliedto a word-line WL₁, wherein the V_(WL), is typically greater than orequal to a threshold voltage of the access transistors 104, therebyturning on the access transistors within Row 1 and coupling the activebit-lines BL₁ through BL_(M) to the MTJ memory elements 102 in theaccessed memory cells (e.g., memory cells C₁₋₁ through C_(1-M),respectively). Suitable biases are applied across the active bit-linesBL₁ through BL_(M) and their corresponding active source-lines SL₁through SL_(M), where the bias between each active bit-line andsource-line for a column is representative of a data value to be writtento the accessed memory cell of that column. While Row 1 is accessed, theword-lines of the other rows (WL₂-WL_(N)) remain off (e.g., less thanthreshold voltage of the access transistors), such that the MTJ memoryelements of the other cells remain isolated and are not written to orread from even though active bit-lines BL₁ through BL_(M) and activesource-lines SL_(i) through SL_(M) are biased. Other rows can be writtento in similar fashion.

For read operations, an asynchronous read circuit 140, which can includea sense amplifier (S/A) 150 for each column, is used to detect storeddata states from accessed memory cells of the columns. During a typicalread operation of Row 1, voltage V_(WL), is again applied to word-lineWL₁ to turn on the access transistors 104 and couple the activebit-lines BL₁ through BL_(M) to the MTJ memory elements 102 of theaccessed cells (C₁₋₁ through C_(M-1), respectively). The senseamplifiers 150 then induce equal active read currents (I_(A1)-I_(AM))though the accessed MTJ memory elements 102 via their respective activebitlines BL₁ through BL_(M) and active source-lines SL₁ through SL_(M).Because the MTJ memory elements 102 have different resistances (e.g.,each can be either R_(P) or R_(AP) depending on the data states storedtherein), these active read currents I_(A1)-I_(AM) cause the voltagelevels of the respective active bit-lines BL₁ through BL_(M) to differfrom one another in time to reflect the data state stored in therespective accessed MTJ memory cells. For example, if memory cell C₁₋₁is in a high resistance state (e.g., memory element 102 is in stateR_(AP)), BL1 will tend to give a lower voltage at S/A input 152 for S/AC1; while if cell C₂₋₁ is in a lower resistance state (e.g., memoryelement 102 in R_(P)), BL2 will tend to give a higher voltage at S/Ainput 152 for S/A C2.

More particularly, to determine whether the data state read from anaccessed MTJ memory element 102 is a “1” or a “0” for a given column, areference current (e.g., I_(R1) which is equal to the active readcurrent I_(A1)) is induced through a reference MTJ cell 130 (e.g.,C_(R1)) for the column (e.g., Col1). The reference MTJ cell 130 includesa reference resistance element 132 which has a resistance R_(ref) thatis between R_(P) and R_(AP). Thus, a first S/A input terminal (e.g.,152) of each sense amplifier 150 is coupled to the active bit-line ofthe column (e.g., 152 of S/A C1 150 is coupled to active bit-line BL₁)and a second S/A input terminal (e.g., 154) is coupled to a referencebitline of the column (e.g., 154 of S/A C1 150 is coupled to a referencebit-line REFBL₁). The voltages on the first and second S/A inputterminals 152, 154 have a timing delay difference there between (e.g.,Δt₁, which arises from the resistance difference between the active MTJcell 100 (e.g., C₁₋₁ is either R_(P) or R_(AP)) and the reference MTJcell 130 (e.g., C_(R1) is R_(REF)). Depending upon the timing delaydifference present, the sense amplifier returns a “1” or a “0” for thedata state read from that column. For example, if a predeterminedvoltage arrives on first S/A input terminal 152 before arriving onsecond S/A input terminal 154, then the sense amplifier returns a “0”;but if the predetermined voltage arrives on first S/A input terminal 152after arriving on second S/A input terminal 154, then the senseamplifier 150 returns a “1” (or vice versa).

In this scheme, the active read currents I_(A1)-I_(AM) are dynamic inthat they peak and taper off for each column during the read cycle. Thepeak read current can be larger than previous approaches, but theaverage read current is small enough to not cause read disturb. Thus, bysensing the timing delay difference between signals from an activememory cell 100 and a reference MTJ cell 130 (rather than sensing solelya voltage difference or current difference), this approach enables morerobust sensing.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of a data path 200 of the memorydevice 50 in more detail. The data path 200 generally corresponds to asingle column of the memory device 50 of FIG. 1, albeit with someadditional circuitry which was not depicted in FIG. 1. The data path 200includes a reference current path 204 and an active current path 206,which are arranged in parallel with one another between V_(DD) andV_(SS). The active current path 206 includes a column 202 of activememory cells that are coupled in parallel between an active bitline (BL)and an active source line (SL), while the reference current path 204includes one or more reference MTJ cells 130 coupled between a referencebitline BL_(Ref) and a reference sourceline SL_(Ref). A coupling circuit203 selectively couples the active bitline BL to an active senseline213, and selectively couples the reference bitline BL_(Ref) to areference senseline 215. Biasing circuitry 207 is configured to providea bias over an accessed active memory cell 100 of the column and over areference MTJ cell 130 when a corresponding WL is activated, typicallyby providing an active read current (I_(A)) through the accessed memorycell 100 of the column and by providing a reference read current (I_(R))through the reference MTJ cell 130.

An asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208 is coupled to the activesenseline 213 and reference senseline 215, and is configured todetermine a data state stored in an accessed active memory cell 100 byevaluating a timing delay Δt between a first rising or falling edgevoltage on the active senseline 213 and a second rising or falling edgevoltage on the reference senseline 215. The asynchronous, delay-sensingelement 208 then determines a data state stored in the MTJ memoryelement 102 of the accessed active memory cell 100 based on the timingdelay Δt. For example, based on the timing delay, the sense amplifier150 can provide an output voltage on output Q whose voltage level is inone of two states, representing a logical “1” or a logical “0”, whichwas read from the accessed active memory cell 100.

More particularly, the active current path 206 includes a firstpre-charge transistor 210, a first pull-up read-enable transistor 212, acolumn 202 of active MTJ memory cells 100, and a first pull-downread-enable transistor 214. Each MTJ memory element 102 of the column202 can be switched between a low resistance state (e.g., R_(P)) and ahigh resistance state (e.g., R_(AP)).

The reference current path 204 includes a second pre-charge transistor216; a second pull-up read-enable transistor 218; the reference MTJmemory cell 100′ (including a reference resistance 122, which can beimplemented as a resistor with a fixed resistance R_(Ref) in someembodiments, and a second access transistor 220); and a second pull-downread-enable transistor 222. The reference resistance R_(ref) is betweenR_(P) and R_(AP), and can for example be an average or midpoint betweenR_(P) and R_(AP). A reference bit-line (BL_(Ref)) and referencesource-line (SL_(Ref)), which have lengths and resistances that aresubstantially equal to those of the BL and SL, are coupled to oppositeends of the reference MTJ cell 130.

A control circuit 252, which includes word-line driver circuits 254, apre-charge driver circuit 256, and a read-enable (RE) driver circuit257; provides control signals to the data path to facilitate read andwrite operations. The word-line driver circuits 254 have outputs coupledto respective word-lines, and the word-lines are coupled to respectivegates of the access transistors along a row of memory cells. Thepre-charge driver circuit 256 has an output coupled to the gates oftransistors 210, 216, and is configured to provide a pre-charge voltagesignal PRE during read and write operations. The read enable drivercircuit 257 has an output coupled to the gates of transistors 212, 214,218, and 222, and is configured to provide a read-enable voltage signalRE during read and write operations.

Although FIG. 2A illustrates the data path 200 with p-type and n-typemetal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), it will beappreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the n-type MOSFETscan be replaced with p-type MOSFETs and/or one or more of the p-typeMOSFETs can be replaced with n-type MOSFETs. Further, rather thanMOSFETs, other types of switching elements and/or isolation elements canalso be used, including but not limited to, bipolar junction transistors(BJTs), fin field effect transistors (FinFETs), junction field effecttransistors (JFETs), and diodes. Further, FIG. 2A illustrates a singleMTJ reference cell 130 that is shared for all rows of the column 202,but in other embodiments, each row can have its own reference MTJ cell130 such that the number of reference MTJ cells 130 and the number ofrows for each column correspond to one another in one to one fashion.

FIG. 2B illustrates a series of timing diagrams in accordance with someembodiments. It will be appreciated that FIG. 2B's waveforms are merelya non-limiting example, and waveforms in other embodiments can varysignificantly from those illustrated in FIG. 2B. Several signals areillustrated on the left-hand side of FIG. 2B—namely Resistance of anMTJ, a clock signal (CLK), pre-charge signal (PRE), a read enable signal(RE), a wordline signal (WL), a bitline signal (BL) and a bitlinereference signal (BL_(Ref)), and an active current read signal (I_(A)).Each of these signals is plotted as a function of time, withcorresponding times being vertically aligned for the various waveformsin FIG. 2B. In other embodiments, the waveforms can be individuallyand/or collectively flipped “upside down”, for instance rather than theWL signal being active high, the WL signal could alternatively be activelow.

FIG. 2B illustrates of a first read operation 260 and a second readoperation 262 on FIG. 2A's data path. In the first read operation duringtime 260, the resistance R_(MTJ) of the accessed memory cell is a highresistance state (RAP); and in the second read operation during time262, the resistance R_(MTJ) of the accessed memory cell is a lowresistance state RP.

At time 302 in FIG. 2B, the clock signal has a rising edge transitionfrom a low clock voltage to a high clock voltage.

At time 304, the pre-charge signal PRE has a falling edge transitionfrom a high PRE voltage to a low PRE voltage. Referring to FIG. 2A, thisPRE voltage transition at 304 enables first and second pre-chargetransistors 210, 216, thereby pre-charging or “trickling” charge fromVDD onto the active senseline 213 and reference senseline 215. Thus, theactive senseline 213 and reference senseline 215 are pre-charged towardsVDD at 304. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the activesenseline 213 is pre-charged to VDD minus the voltage threshold of 210,and the reference senseline 215 is pre-charged to VDD minus the voltagethreshold of 216.

At the same time or slightly after the PRE voltage transition at 304,the read enable signal RE has a rising edge transition from a low readenable voltage to a high read enable voltage. Referring to FIG. 2A, thisRE transition enables first and second pull-up read-enable transistors212, 218, and enables first and second pull-down read-enable transistors214, 222. Thus, these transitions at time 304 pre-charge or “trickle”the charge from the senseline 213 and reference senseline 215 to thebitline BL and reference bitline BL_(Ref), respectively. Moreparticularly, in the illustrated example, the bitline BL is pre-chargedto VDD minus the voltage threshold of 210 and minus the voltagethreshold of 212, and the reference bitline BL_(Ref) is pre-charged toVDD minus the voltage threshold of 216 and minus the voltage thresholdof 218. The sourceline SL and reference sourceline SL_(Ref) are pulledtowards V_(SS).

At 306, the wordline signal WL1 has a rising edge transition from a lowWL voltage to a high WL voltage. Referring to FIG. 2A, this WLtransition enables the access transistors 104 and 220 for Row 1; andthereby causes active read current I_(A) to flow over the active MTJmemory element 102 and causes the reference read current I_(R) to flowover the reference resistor 122.

As shown immediately following time 306, the assertion of the WL causesthe charge previously stored on the senseline 213 to leak over theactive MTJ memory element 102, resulting in a peak read current 308 inthe active read current I_(A). A similar reference read current I_(R)(see FIG. 2A) leaks over the reference bitline BL_(Ref) and over thereference resistor 122 after this WL transition.

As the active read current IA passes over the accessed MTJ memoryelement 102, the voltages on the active bitline BL and active senseline213 change as a function of the data state (R_(AP) or R_(P)) stored inthe active MTJ memory element 102. Similarly, the voltages on thereference bitline BL_(REF) and reference senseline 215 change as afunction of the reference read current I_(R) and the reference resistor122. Because the reference resistance R_(ref) falls between the tworesistive states of the active MTJ memory element, the voltage levelsand corresponding rising and falling edges on BL, BL_(Ref) are different(see 320 in FIG. 2B). As the voltages on the BL and BL_(Ref) decrease,the asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208 detects the timingdifference or delay Δt_(AP) between a first time 316 when BL_(Ref)passes a predetermined BL voltage 320 and a second time 318 when BLpasses the predetermined BL voltage 320. If BL_(Ref) arrives earlierthan BL, then a first data state (e.g., logical “0”) is read from theactive memory cell 100; wherease if BL arrives earlier than BL_(Ref)then a second data state (e.g., logical “1”) is read from the activememory cell 100. Thus, in FIG. 2B, for the first write operation duringtime 260, when BL_(Ref) passes predetermined voltage 320 at 316 beforeBL passes 320 at 318, the asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208determines a “0” data state was read; while for the second writeoperation during time 262, when BL passes the predetermined voltage 320before BL_(Ref), the asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208 determinesa “1” data state was read. In some cases, the time delays Δt_(AP) andΔt_(P) may be equal, but in other embodiments, these time delays At_(AP)and Δt_(P) are different from one another. For example, in someembodiments, time delay Δt_(AP) may range from approximately 30picoseconds (ps) to approximately 500 ps, and Δtp may range fromapproximately 30 ps to approximately 500 ps.

Notably, the active read current I_(A) is dynamic in that it has a peakread current at 308 that is greater than a baseline read current 310.The active read current I_(A) has an average I_(AVG) over time thatfalls between the peak read current 308 and the base read current 310.Under this approach, the peak read current 308 can be larger thanprevious approaches, which provides for larger differences between thevoltages on BL and BL_(Ref), but the average read current I_(avg) issmall enough that the overall active read current I_(A) does not causeread disturb. In some embodiments, the peak read current 308 rangesapproximately from 80 micro amps (μA) to 200 μA; and is approximately100 μA in various embodiments. In some cases, the baseline read current310 ranges from approximately 2 μA to approximately 20 μA; and the peakread current 308 is approximately 10 to 40 times larger than thebaseline read current 310 with a duration of between 200 ps and 1nanosecond (ns). Further, in some cases, the wordline is asserted in thehigh voltage state for a time 352 ranging between approximately 0.8Volts (V) and approximately 1V; and the time when the active readcurrent is above the average current for approximately 10%) toapproximately 25% of this time 352. The I_(avg) can range fromapproximately 20 μA to approximately 40 μA in some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of adata path 200. The data path 200 of FIG. 3 again includes a referencecurrent path 204 and an active current path 206. On the active currentpath 206, the data path 200 includes a column 202 of active memory cellsthat are coupled in parallel between an active bitline (BL) and anactive source line (SL). On the reference current path 204, the datapath 200 also includes one or more complementary memory cells 130coupled between a reference bitline BL_(Ref) and a reference sourcelineSL_(Ref). Each complementary memory cell 130 includes an MTJ memoryelement 131 and an access transistor 133. Whereas the reference memorycell of FIG. 2A's embodiment included a reference resistance, the MTJmemory element 131 of each complementary memory cell 130 can beidentical to the MTJ structure of the MTJ memory element 102 in thememory cells 100. Each complementary memory cell of a row stores acomplementary (i.e., opposite) data state as the active memory cell ofthat row. Thus, for example, if active MTJ memory cell C₁₋₁ stores ahigh resistance state (e.g., R_(AP) representing a logical “1” datastate), the complementary MTJ C_(Ref1-1) stores a low resistance state(e.g., R_(P) representing a “0” data state).

FIG. 4 illustrates some embodiments of the asynchronous, delay-sensingelement 208. In FIG. 4, the asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208includes a first pair of cross-coupled logic gates 402 having a firstinput 414 coupled to the active senseline and a second input 416 coupledto the reference senseline, and having a first output 418 and a secondoutput 420. A second pair of cross-coupled logic gates 404 is downstreamof the first pair of cross-coupled logic gates. The second pair ofcross-coupled logic gates 404 has a third input 422 coupled to the firstoutput 418 of the first pair of cross-coupled logic gates 402. Thesecond pair of cross-coupled logic gates 404 also has a fourth input 424coupled to the second output 420 of the first pair of cross-coupledlogic gates 402, and a third output 426 on which a data state Q readfrom the accessed MTJ element, and a fourth output 434 on whichcomplementary data state QB is provided, wherein QB is opposite Q.

In some embodiments, the cross-coupled logic gates include NAND gates. Afirst NAND gate 406 has a first input 414 coupled to the activesenseline, a second input 428 coupled to a second NAND gate output, anda first output 418. A second NAND gate 408 has a first input 414 coupledto the reference senseline SL_(Ref), and a second input 430 coupled tothe first output 418, and the second output 420. A third NAND gate 410has a third input 422 coupled to the first output 418, a second input432 coupled to a fourth output 434, and a third output 426 on which adata state read from the accessed MTJ element is provided. A fourth NANDgate 412 has a first input 424 coupled to the second output 420, asecond input coupled to the third output 426, and the fourth output 434on which a complementary data state QB read from the MTJ is provided.

FIG. 5 illustrates a series of timing diagrams in accordance with tworead operations in some embodiments of FIG. 4′s asynchronous,delay-sensing element. It will be appreciated that FIG. 5's waveformsare merely a non-limiting example, and waveforms in other embodimentscan vary significantly from those illustrated in FIG. 5. Several signalsare illustrated on the left-hand side of FIG. 5—reference senselinevoltage (SL_(Ref)), active senseline voltage (SL),

At time 502, voltage on SL_(Ref) is low, voltage on senseline is high,voltage on output 418 is high, voltage on second output 420 is high,voltage output Q is high, and voltage output QB is low.

In time 504, an example waveform is shown where the SL transitionsbefore the SL_(Ref) by a timing delay Δt₁. In this example, this SLtransition leaves output 418 in a high voltage state, and transitionssecond output 420 to a low voltage state. Thus, carrying these voltagestates through the NAND gates of FIG. 4, this transition results in ahigh voltage being applied to output 426, such that Q is determined tobe in a “1” state for this transition.

On the other hand, at 506, if the SL transitions after SL_(Ref) by atiming delay, Δt₂, the read data state is different. In this example,this delayed SL transition transitions the output 418 to a low voltagestate, while second output 420 remains in a high voltage state. Thus,carrying these voltage states through the NAND gates of FIG. 4, thisdelayed transition results in a low voltage being applied to output 426,such that Q is determined to be in a “0” state for this transition.

Thus, if SL_(Ref) arrives earlier than SL, then a first data state(e.g., logical “1”) is read in FIG. 5's example; whereas if BL arrivesearlier than BL_(Ref) then a second data state (e.g., logical “0”) isread in FIG. 5's example. Thus, by making use of a timing delaydifference between a first rising or falling edge of a voltage signalfrom the MTJ and a second rising or falling edge of a voltage signalfrom the reference MTJ, this approach enables more robust sensing thanprevious approaches.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment for an asynchronous,delay-sensing element 208. This asynchronous, delay-sensing element 208includes a first stage 602 and a second stage 604. The first stage 602includes a first current path 606 and a second current path 608. Thefirst current path 606 includes first and second PMOS transistors 610,612, and first and second NMOS transistors 614, 616, while the secondcurrent path 608 includes third and fourth PMOS transistors 618, 620,and third and fourth NMOS transistors 622, 624. Thus, the first stage602 includes a first input 626, a second input 628, and a first output630. The first input 626 is coupled to the senseline 213 of the activecurrent path. The second current path 608 includes a third input 632, afourth input 634, and a second output 636. The third input 632 iscoupled to the reference senseline 215 of the reference current path,the second input 628 is coupled to the second output 636, and the fourthinput 634 is coupled to the first output 630. The second stage 604,which includes cross-coupled logic gates such as NAND gates for example,includes a fifth input 638 coupled to the second output 636, a sixthinput 640 coupled to the first output 630, and a third output 632 onwhich the determined data state Q is provided.

FIG. 7A illustrates some embodiments of a memory cell 100 that can beused with various read techniques as provided herein. The memory cell100 includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory element 102 and anaccess transistor 104. A source-line (SL) is coupled to one end of theMTJ memory element 102, and a bit-line (BL) is coupled to an oppositeend of the MTJ memory element through the access transistor 104. Thus,application of a suitable word-line (WL) voltage to a gate electrode ofthe access transistor 104 couples the MTJ memory element 102 between theBL and the SL, and allows a bias to be applied over the MTJ memoryelement 102 through the BL and the SL. Consequently, by providingsuitable bias conditions, the MTJ memory element 102 can be switchedbetween two states of electrical resistance, a first state with a lowresistance (magnetization directions of reference layer and free layerare parallel) and a second state with a high resistance (magnetizationdirections of reference layer and free layer are anti-parallel), tostore data. It is noted that in some embodiments, such as thosedescribed above, the MTJs can have a positive tunnelingmagnetoresistance (TMR)—meaning there is a higher resistance foranti-parallel orientation and lower resistance for parallel orientation;however, in other embodiments the MTJs can have a negative TMR—meaningthere is a lower resistance for anti-parallel orientation and higherresistance for parallel orientation.

The MTJ memory element 102 includes a pinned structure 105, aferromagnetic reference layer 106 over the pinned structure 105, and aferromagnetic free layer 108 over the ferromagnetic reference layer 106.A non-magnetic barrier layer 110 separates the ferromagnetic referencelayer 106 from the ferromagnetic free layer 108. Although thisdisclosure is described largely in terms of MTJs, it is also to beappreciated that it is applicable to spin valve memory elements, whichmay use a magnetically soft layer as the ferromagnetic free layer 108,and a magnetically hard layer as the ferromagnetic reference layer 106,and a non-magnetic barrier separating the magnetically hard layer andmagnetically soft layer.

In some embodiments, the pinned structure 105 is a multi-layer structurethat includes a pinned layer 114 and a thin metallic interlayer 116 overthe pinned layer 114. The magnetization direction of the pinned layer114 is constrained or “fixed”. In some embodiments, the pinned layer 114comprises CoFeB, and the metallic interlayer 116 comprises ruthenium(Ru). The metallic interlayer 116 has a predetermined thickness, whichintroduces a strong anti-parallel coupling between the pinned layer 114and the ferromagnetic reference layer 106. For example, in someembodiments where the metallic interlayer 116 is a transition metal, atransition metal alloy, or even an oxide to provide stronganti-ferromagnetic interlayer-exchange coupling (IEC), the metallicinterlayer 116 has a thickness ranging from 1.2 angstroms toapproximately 30 angstroms. In some embodiments, the metallic interlayer116 is a ruthenium (Ru) layer or iridium (Ir) layer.

The ferromagnetic reference layer 106 has a magnetization direction thatis “fixed”. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic reference layer 106is a CoFeB layer. The magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic referencelayer 106 is opposite to that of the pinned layer 114. For example, inthe example of FIG. 1, the magnetization direction of the pinned layer114 can point upwards along the z axis, and the magnetization directionof the ferromagnetic reference layer 106 can point downwards along the zaxis, although in other embodiments these magnetic directions could be“flipped” so the pinned layer 114 points downward and the ferromagneticreference layer 106 points upwards. The magnetization directions canalso be in-plane (e.g., pointing in the x and/or y directions), ratherthan up-down depending on the implementation. Also, the entire MTJstructure can be fabricated upside down. Hence, in this alternativecase, the SL is nearer the ferromagnetic reference layer 106 and the BLis nearer the ferromagnetic free layer 108.

In some embodiments, the non-magnetic barrier layer 110 can comprise anamorphous barrier, such as aluminum oxide (AlO_(x)) or titanium oxide(TiO_(x)); or a crystalline barrier, such as manganese oxide (MgO) orspinel (MgAl₂O₄, also known as “MAO” in some contexts). In embodiments,the non-magnetic barrier layer 110 is a tunnel barrier which is thinenough to allow quantum mechanical tunneling of current between theferromagnetic free layer 108 and ferromagnetic reference layer 106. Inalternative embodiments where the MTJ is replaced with a spin valve, thenon-magnetic barrier layer 110 is typically a non-magnetic metal.Examples of non-magnetic metals include, but are not limited to: copper,gold, silver, aluminum, lead, tin, titanium and zinc; and/or alloys suchas brass and bronze.

The ferromagnetic free layer 108 is capable of changing itsmagnetization direction between one of two magnetization states, whichhave different resistances and which correspond to binary data statesstored in the memory cell. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic freelayer 108 can comprise a magnetic metal, such as iron, nickel, cobaltand alloys thereof, for example. For instance, in some embodiments, theferromagnetic free layer 108 can comprise cobalt, iron, and boron, suchas a CoFeB ferromagnetic free layer; and the non-magnetic barrier layer110 can comprise an amorphous barrier, such as aluminum oxide (AlO_(x))or titanium oxide (TiO_(x)), or a crystalline barrier, such as manganeseoxide (MgO) or spinel (MgAl₂O₄).

For example, in a first state, the ferromagnetic free layer 108 can havea first magnetization direction in which the magnetization of theferromagnetic free layer 108 is aligned in parallel with themagnetization direction of the ferromagnetic reference layer 106,thereby providing the MTJ memory element 102 with a relatively lowresistance. In a second state, the ferromagnetic free layer 108 can havea first magnetization is aligned anti-parallel with the magnetizationdirection of the ferromagnetic reference layer 106, thereby providingthe MTJ memory element 102 with a relatively high resistance.

FIG. 7B illustrates a case where layer 118 and pinned layer 114 areanti-ferromagnetically coupled, such that layer 118 and pinned layer 114collectively form a synthetic anti-ferromagnet (SAF). This coupling isdue to metallic interlayer 116, which can be a transition metal, such asRuthenium or Iridium.

In FIG. 7C, which corresponds to a case of FIG. 1A without ananti-ferromagnetic layer present, ferromagnetic reference layer 106 andpinned layer 114 are anti-ferromagnetically coupled, such thatferromagnetic reference layer 106 and pinned layer 114 collectively forma synthetic anti-ferromagnet (SAF). This coupling is due to metallicinterlayer 116, which can be a transition metal, such as Ruthenium orIridium. Here, ferromagnetic reference layer 106 is actually a compositelayer, and in itself is graded or multi-layered. Its top region invicinity of insulator servers as a reference layer, while layer regionin vicinity of metallic interlayer 116 serves as pinning layer.

FIG. 7D is an alternate representation of FIG. 7B. It additionallyillustrates a metallic spacer between ferromagnetic reference layer 106and layer 118. The role of this metallic spacer is to draw away boronfrom ferromagnetic reference layer 106 during annealing. Spacer metalliclayer 120 can be a transition metal, such as Ta, Hf, Mo, W or theiralloys with CoFeB. One can say that in FIG. 7C ferromagnetic referencelayer 106 subsumes ferromagnetic reference layer 106, spacer metalliclayer 120, and layer 118 of FIG. 1D; or it subsumes ferromagneticreference layer 106 and layer 118 of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7E illustrated an example where ferromagnetic reference layer 106and layer 118 may or may not form a composite layer, yet are illustratedseparately. In such cases, the pinned layer is deposited on the top sideinstead of the bottom side. The magnetization direction of pinned layer114 is opposite of that of ferromagnetic reference layer 106 and layer118. Ferromagnetic reference layer 106 and layer 118 have the samedirection.

FIG. 7F is an alternate representation of FIG. 7E with explicitillustration of the spacer metallic layer 120.

FIG. 7G is an alternate representation of FIG. 7F where ferromagneticreference layer 106 subsumes ferromagnetic reference layer 106, spacermetallic layer 120, and layer 118, as it did in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated circuit 700, which includes MTJ memory elements 102 a, 102 bdisposed in an interconnect structure 704 of the integrated circuit 700.The integrated circuit 700 includes a semiconductor substrate 706. Thesubstrate 706 may be, for example, a bulk substrate (e.g., a bulksilicon substrate) or a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. Theillustrated embodiment depicts one or more shallow trench isolation(STI) regions 708, which may include a dielectric-filled trench withinthe substrate 706.

Two access transistors 710, 712 are disposed between the STI regions708. The access transistors 710, 104 include access gate electrodes 714,716, respectively; access gate dielectrics 718, 720, respectively;access sidewall spacers 722; and source/drain regions 724. Thesource/drain regions 724 are disposed within the substrate 706 betweenthe access gate electrodes 714, 716 and the STI regions 708, and aredoped to have a first conductivity type which is opposite a secondconductivity type of a channel region under the gate dielectrics 718,720, respectively. The word line gate electrodes 714, 716 may be, forexample, doped polysilicon or a metal, such as aluminum, copper, orcombinations thereof. The word line gate dielectrics 718, 720 may be,for example, an oxide, such as silicon dioxide, or a high-κ dielectricmaterial. The word line sidewall spacers 722 can be made of siliconnitride (e.g., Si₃N₄), for example.

The interconnect structure 704 is arranged over the substrate 706 andcouples devices (e.g., transistor 710, and access transistor 104) to oneanother. The interconnect structure 704 includes a plurality of IMDlayers 726, 728, 730, and a plurality of metallization layers 732, 734,736 which are layered over one another in alternating fashion. The IMDlayers 726, 728, 730 may be made, for example, of a low κ dielectric,such as un-doped silicate glass, or an oxide, such as silicon dioxide,or an extreme low κ dielectric layer. The metallization layers 732, 734,736 include metal lines 738, 740, 742, which are formed within trenches,and which may be made of a metal, such as copper or aluminum. Contacts744 extend from the bottom metallization layer 732 to the source/drainregions 724 and/or gate electrodes 714, 104; and vias 746 extend betweenthe metallization layers 732, 734, 736. The contacts 744 and the vias746 extend through dielectric-protection layers 750, 752 (which can bemade of dielectric material and can act as etch stop layers duringmanufacturing). The dielectric-protection layers 750, 752 may be made ofan extreme low-κ dielectric material, such as SiC, for example. Thecontacts 744 and the vias 746 may be made of a metal, such as copper ortungsten, for example.

MTJ memory elements 102 a, 102 b, which are configured to storerespective data states, are arranged within the interconnect structure704 between neighboring metal layers. The MTJ memory element 102 aincludes an MTJ, including an anti-ferromagnetic layer 112, pinned layer114, metallic interlayer 116, ferromagnetic reference layer 106,non-magnetic barrier layer 110, and ferromagnetic free layer 108.

FIG. 9 depicts some embodiments of a top view of FIG. 8's integratedcircuit 700 as indicated in the cut-away lines shown in FIGS. 8-9. Ascan be seen, the MTJ memory elements 102 a, 102 b can have asquare/rectangular or circular/elliptical shape when viewed from abovein some embodiments. In other embodiments, however, for example due topracticalities of many etch processes, the corners of the illustratedsquare shape can become rounded, resulting in MTJ memory elements 102 a,102 b having a square shape with rounded corners, or having a circularshape. The MTJ memory elements 102 a, 102 b are arranged over metallines 740, respectively, and have upper portions in direct electricalconnection with the metal lines 742, respectively, without vias orcontacts there between in some embodiments. In other embodiments, viasor contacts couple the upper portion to the metal lines 742.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a memory device.The memory device includes an active current path including a magnetictunnel junction (MTJ); and a reference current path including areference resistance element. The reference resistance element has aresistance that differs from a resistance of the MTJ. An asynchronous,delay-sensing element has a first input coupled to the active currentpath and a second input coupled to the reference current path. Theasynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured to sense a timingdelay between a first rising or falling edge voltage on the activecurrent path and a second rising or falling edge voltage on thereference current path. The asynchronous, delay-sensing element isfurther configured to determine a data state stored in the MTJ based onthe timing delay.

Other embodiments relate to a memory device including a memory arraywith a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns over asemiconductor substrate. The plurality of memory cells includes aplurality of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), respectively, and aplurality of access transistors, respectively. A plurality of wordlinesextend generally in parallel with the rows, wherein a wordline iscoupled to multiple gate electrodes of multiple access transistors,respectively, along the row. A plurality of bitlines extends generallyin parallel with the columns, wherein a bitline is coupled to multiplesource/drain regions of multiple access transistors, respectively, alonga column, and is configured to provide an active data signal based on adata state of an MTJ of the row when the wordline is asserted. Acomplementary or reference bitline extends generally in parallel withthe column and is configured to provide a complementary or referencedata signal when the wordline is asserted. The complementary orreference data signal has a rising or falling edge that differs from acorresponding rising or falling edge of the data signal by differenttiming delays depending on whether the data state is a high resistancestate or a low resistance state. An asynchronous, delay-sensing elementhas a first input coupled to the bitline and a second input coupled tothe complementary or reference bitline.

Still other embodiments relate to a memory device including an activecurrent path including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). The MTJ has aferromagnetic layer coupled to a source line, and a pinned layer coupledto a data storage node. A first access transistor is disposed on theactive current path. The first access transistor has a firstsource/drain region coupled to the data storage node, a secondsource/drain region coupled to an active bitline, and a first gatecoupled to a wordline. A reference current path includes a reference MTJelement having a reference resistance. A second access transistor isdisposed on the reference current path. The second access transistor hasa third source/drain region coupled to the reference MTJ element, afourth source/drain region coupled to a reference bitline, and a secondgate coupled to the wordline. A sense amplifier includes anasynchronous, delay-sensing element having a first input coupled to theactive bitline and a second input coupled to the reference bitline.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory device, comprising: an active currentpath including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ); a reference currentpath including a reference resistance element, the reference resistanceelement having a resistance that differs from a resistance of the MTJ;and an asynchronous, delay-sensing element having a first input coupledto the active current path and a second input coupled to the referencecurrent path, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element isconfigured to sense a timing delay between a first rising or fallingedge voltage on the active current path and a second rising or fallingedge voltage on the reference current path, the asynchronous,delay-sensing element further configured to determine a data statestored in the MTJ based on the timing delay.
 2. The memory device ofclaim 1: wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element is configuredto determine the data state is a first data state if a predeterminedvoltage on the active current path arrives before the predeterminedvoltage arrives on the reference current path; and wherein theasynchronous, delay-sensing element is further configured to determinethe data state is a second data state if the predetermined voltage onthe active current path arrives after the predetermined voltage arriveson the reference current path, the second data state being opposite thefirst data state.
 3. The memory device of claim 1, wherein the referenceresistance element has a fixed resistance that is an average of a firstresistance corresponding to a first data state of the MTJ and a secondresistance corresponding to a second data state of the MTJ, the seconddata state being opposite the first data state.
 4. The memory device ofclaim 1, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises: afirst pair of cross-coupled logic gates having a first input coupled tothe active current path and a second input coupled to the referencecurrent path, and having a first output and a second output; and asecond pair of cross-coupled logic gates downstream of the first pair ofcross-coupled logic gates, the second pair of cross-coupled logic gateshaving a third input coupled to the first output of the first pair ofcross-coupled logic gates, a fourth input coupled to the second outputof the first pair of cross-coupled logic gates, and a third output onwhich the determined data state is provided.
 5. The memory device ofclaim 1, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises: afirst stage including a first current path and a second current path,the first current path including a first input, a second input, and afirst output, the first input being coupled to the active current path;and the second current path including a third input, a fourth input, anda second output, the third input being coupled to the reference currentpath, the second input being coupled to the second output, and thefourth input being coupled to the first output; and a second stageincluding a fifth input coupled to the second output, a sixth inputcoupled to the first output, and a third output on which the determineddata state is provided.
 6. The memory device of claim 1, wherein theactive current path is configured to carry a read current during a readoperation, the read current increasing from a baseline current to a peakcurrent based on assertion of a wordline voltage, the peak currentranging between 80 μA and 200 μA.
 7. The memory device of claim 1,wherein the MTJ is included in a memory array including a plurality ofmemory cells arranged in rows and columns over a semiconductorsubstrate, wherein the plurality of memory cells include a plurality ofmagnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), respectively, and a plurality ofaccess transistors, respectively; further comprising: a plurality ofwordlines extending generally in parallel with the rows, wherein awordline is coupled to multiple gate electrodes of multiple accesstransistors, respectively, along a row and the MTJ is in the row; aplurality of bitlines extending generally in parallel with the columns,wherein a bitline is coupled to multiple source/drain regions ofmultiple access transistors, respectively, along a column, and isconfigured to provide an active data signal based on a data state of theMTJ of the row when the wordline is asserted; a complementary orreference bitline extending generally in parallel with the column andconfigured to provide a complementary or reference data signal when thewordline is asserted; and wherein first input of the asynchronous,delay-sensing element is coupled to the bitline and the second input ofthe asynchronous, delay-sensing element is coupled to the complementaryor reference bitline.
 8. The memory device of claim 7, wherein theasynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured to sense the timingdelay between a first rising or falling edge voltage on the bitline anda second rising or falling edge voltage on the complementary orreference bitline, the asynchronous, delay-sensing element furtherconfigured to determine the data state of the MTJ based on the timingdelay.
 9. The memory device of claim 7, wherein the asynchronous,delay-sensing element is configured to determine the data state of theMTJ is a first bit value when a first rising or falling edge voltage onthe bitline passes a predetermined voltage before the predeterminedvoltage arrives on the complementary or reference bitline for a readoperation; and wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element isconfigured to determine the data state of the MTJ is a second bit valuewhen the first rising or falling edge voltage on the bitline passes thepredetermined voltage after the predetermined voltage arrives on thecomplementary or reference bitline for the read operation, the secondbit value being opposite the first bit value.
 10. The memory device ofclaim 7, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises: afirst pair of cross-coupled logic gates having a first input coupled tothe bitline and a second input coupled to the complementary or referencebitline, and having a first output and a second output; and a secondpair of cross-coupled logic gates downstream of the first pair ofcross-coupled logic gates, wherein the second pair of cross-coupledlogic gates have a third input coupled to the first output of the firstpair of cross-coupled logic gates, a fourth input coupled to the secondoutput of the first pair of cross-coupled logic gates, and a thirdoutput on which a data state read from the MTJ is provided.
 11. Thememory device of claim 7, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensingelement comprises: a first NAND gate having a first first NAND gateinput coupled to the bitline, a second first NAND gate input coupled toa second NAND gate output, and a first NAND gate output; a second NANDgate having a first second NAND gate input coupled to the first NANDgate output, a second second NAND gate input coupled to thecomplementary or reference bitline, and the second NAND gate output; athird NAND gate having a first third NAND gate input coupled to thefirst NAND gate output, a second third NAND gate input coupled to afourth NAND gate output, and a third NAND gate output on which a datastate read from the MTJ is provided; and a fourth NAND gate having afirst fourth NAND gate input coupled to the third NAND gate output, asecond fourth NAND gate input coupled to the second NAND gate output,and the fourth NAND gate output on which a complementary data state readfrom the MTJ is provided.
 12. The memory device of claim 7, wherein thebitline is configured to carry a read current during a read operation,the read current increasing from a baseline current to a peak currentbased on assertion of a wordline voltage, the peak current being atleast twice as large as the baseline current but the peak current beingpresent for no more than 50% of a time for which the wordline voltage isasserted during the read operation.
 13. The memory device of claim 7,wherein the MTJ comprises: a ferromagnetic pinned layer corresponding toa first end of the MTJ, the ferromagnetic pinned layer coupled to thebitline; a ferromagnetic free layer corresponding to a second end of theMTJ opposite the first end; and a non-magnetic, dielectric barrier layerseparating the ferromagnetic pinned layer from the ferromagnetic freelayer.
 14. The memory device of claim 1, wherein the MTJ has aferromagnetic layer coupled to a source line, and a pinned layer coupledto a data storage node, and wherein the reference resistance element onthe reference current path includes a reference MTJ element; the memorydevice further comprising: a first access transistor disposed on theactive current path, the first access transistor having a firstsource/drain region coupled to the data storage node, a secondsource/drain region coupled to an active bitline, and a first gatecoupled to a wordline; a second access transistor disposed on thereference current path, the second access transistor having a thirdsource/drain region coupled to the reference MTJ element, a fourthsource/drain region coupled to a reference bitline, and a second gatecoupled to the wordline; and wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensingelement is included in a sense amplifier, the asynchronous,delay-sensing element having a first input coupled to the active bitlineand a second input coupled to the reference bitline.
 15. The memorydevice of claim 14, wherein the sense amplifier is configured to inducea read current over the active bitline during a time in which thewordline enables the first access transistor for a read operation, theread current increasing from a baseline current to a peak current basedon assertion of a wordline voltage to the wordline during the readoperation, the peak current being at least twice as large as thebaseline current and the peak current being present between 10% and 25%of the time for which the wordline voltage enables the first accesstransistor during the read operation.
 16. The memory device of claim 14,wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises: a first stageincluding a first input coupled to the active current path and a secondinput coupled to the reference current path; a second stage including athird input coupled to a first output of the first stage, a fourth inputcoupled to a second output of the first stage, and a third output; andwherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured to outputa voltage representative of a data state read from the MTJ on the thirdoutput of the second stage.
 17. The memory device of claim 14, whereinthe asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises: a first stageincluding a first current path and a second current path, the firstcurrent path including a first input, a second input, and a firstoutput, the first input being coupled to the active current path; andthe second current path including a third input, a fourth input, and asecond output, the third input being coupled to the reference currentpath, the second input being coupled to the second output, and thefourth input being coupled to the first output; and a second stageincluding a fifth input coupled to the second output, a sixth inputcoupled to the first output, and a third output on which a data stateread from the MTJ is provided.
 18. The memory device of claim 14,wherein the active current path is configured to carry a read currentduring a read operation, the read current increasing from a baselinecurrent to a peak current based on assertion of a wordline voltage, thepeak current ranging between 80 μA and 200 μA.
 19. A memory device,comprising: an active current path including a magnetic tunnel junction(MTJ); a reference current path including a reference resistanceelement, the reference resistance element having a resistance thatdiffers from a resistance of the MTJ; and an asynchronous, delay-sensingelement having a first input coupled to the active current path and asecond input coupled to the reference current path, wherein theasynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured to sense a timingdelay between a first rising or falling edge voltage on the activecurrent path and a second rising or falling edge voltage on thereference current path, the asynchronous, delay-sensing element furtherconfigured to determine a data state stored in the MTJ based on thetiming delay; wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element comprises:a first stage including a first input coupled to the active current pathand a second input coupled to the reference current path; and a secondstage including a third input coupled to a first output of the firststage, and a fourth input coupled to a second output of the first stage.20. A memory device, comprising: an active current path including amagnetic tunnel junction (MTJ); a reference current path including areference resistance element, the reference resistance element having aresistance that differs from a resistance of the MTJ; and anasynchronous, delay-sensing element having a first input coupled to theactive current path and a second input coupled to the reference currentpath, wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing element is configured tosense a timing delay between a first rising or falling edge voltage onthe active current path and a second rising or falling edge voltage onthe reference current path, the asynchronous, delay-sensing elementfurther configured to determine a data state stored in the MTJ based onthe timing delay; wherein the asynchronous, delay-sensing elementcomprises: a first NAND gate having a first first NAND gate inputcoupled to the active current path, a second first NAND gate inputcoupled to a second NAND gate output, and a first NAND gate output; asecond NAND gate having a first second NAND gate input coupled to thefirst NAND gate output, a second second NAND gate input coupled to thereference current path, and the second NAND gate output; a third NANDgate having a first third NAND gate input coupled to the first NAND gateoutput, a second third NAND gate input coupled to a fourth NAND gateoutput, and a third NAND gate output on which the determined data stateis provided; and a fourth NAND gate having a first fourth NAND gateinput coupled to the third NAND gate output, a second fourth NAND gateinput coupled to the second NAND gate output, and the fourth NAND gateoutput on which a complementary data state, which is opposite thedetermined data state, is provided.